What does the town moderator do?’

Thursday

Mar 27, 2008 at 12:01 AMMar 27, 2008 at 1:10 PM

In my campaign for town moderator the most common question I hear, even from some Town Meeting members, is: “What does the town moderator do?” The moderator’s role is to preside over our representative Town Meeting and make regular appointments to the Warrant, Capital Budget, and building committees.

Michael Widmer

In my campaign for town moderator the most common question I hear, even from some Town Meeting members, is: “What does the town moderator do?” The moderator’s role is to preside over our representative Town Meeting and make regular appointments to the Warrant, Capital Budget, and building committees.

Each year 288-elected Town Meeting members (36 from eight precincts) convene at our annual April Town Meeting to deliberate and appropriate funds for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and to vote on bylaws and other articles. While the meeting adheres to certain prescribed procedures and town bylaw provisions, the moderator has considerable latitude in overseeing the conduct of the meeting.

With my 27 years as a Town Meeting member and 15 years on the Warrant Committee, I have a broad perspective and appreciation not only for the important fiscal and other issues coming before the meeting, but for some of the highs and lows of discussion. The most thoughtful deliberations have been when Town Meeting members have taken the time to learn about articles beforehand and/or when there are full presentations and clarity on an article or its amendments at the Town Meeting itself.

Therefore, I would like to see even more thorough presentations on complex and contentious articles. Each article, even those that are dismissed, should be explained. Sometimes the Town Meeting gets bogged down with confusing amendments. While amendments need to be submitted in writing before being presented to the Town Meeting, I would like to see those amendments put into PowerPoint so Town Meeting members can understand clearly what is being proposed. A more interactive use of technology on the floor of Town Meeting would also enable minor amendments to be easily viewed and considered.

Needless to say, I will encourage all members to present their ideas in an open, clear and courteous manner. I encourage citizens to attend Town Meetings, or view them on cable, and perhaps decide to run in their precinct next year or seek an open seat at a precinct caucus.

Finally, the town Mmoderator has important responsibilities in making appointments to the Warrant, Capital Budget, and Permanent Building Advisory committees, as well as ad hoc building committees. I welcome resumes from interested citizens who wish to serve on these committees.

The Warrant Committee oversees the fiscal affairs of the town and the Capital Budget Committee deals with the complexities of Belmont’s increasing capital needs. Neither is a place for members to lobby directly or represent a constituency. While I will be looking to broaden representation on these committees, I will seek those individuals with the necessary skills, insights and ability to be objective in decision-making.

I am proud of Belmont and its long tradition of representative Town Meeting. I am looking forward to serving as your Town Moderator and welcome your suggestions and ideas.

Michael Widmer is the only candidate running for the open town moderator’s seat. He lives on Gilbert Road.